Real Madrid miss out on Barcelona's La Liga winning streak record as Sergio Ramos rescues Villarreal draw
The Spanish giants had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Villarreal with Sergio Ramos giving away a penalty, converted by Bruno Soriano, but the Spaniard made ammends after the break
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Real Madrid missed the chance to claim a record 17th successive La Liga victory - a feat achieved by Pep Guardiola's Barcelona in 2010/11 - as they dropped points at home to Villarreal.
The Spanish giants had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Villarreal with Sergio Ramos giving away a penalty, converted by Bruno Soriano, but the Spaniard made amends with an equaliser after the break.
Barca, meanwhile, were unable to capitalise on Real's slip-up in the capital with Luis Enrique's men also being held by Atletico Madrid at the Nou Camp, a match overshadowed by an injury to Lionel Messi.
Madrid were hesitant in the first half against the Yellow Submarine and the first period ended with Ramos conceding a penalty by blocking Manu Trigueros' shot with his hand. Soriano stepped up to plant a Panenka-style kick past Kiko Casilla.
Ramos atoned with a towering header from a James Rodriguez corner three minutes into the second half but despite their domination Real were unable to find the crucial winner.
Barcelona were at one stage on course to cut Real's lead to one point when Ivan Rakitic headed them in front from an inswinging Andres Iniesta cross in the 41st minute.
But the second half will have raised Real coach Zinedine Zidane's spirits as first Barcelona's key man Messi had to go off with what appeared to be a groin injury and moments later Angel Correa grabbed a deserved equaliser for Atletico.
Additional reporting by PA.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments